19 Things You Should Never Say to a Single Person

“As a writer, I avoid cliches like the plague…HAHA! But seriously, cliches are old, tired, and they show absolutely no thought. I mean, do I make you read that some guy’s skin was as white as snow? No. It’s a major insult to your intellect. So when I have to hear a cliche or overused saying in the real world, as a response to my newly single status or some other dating dilemma, it’s offensive and frustrating.”

Why do we have so many sayings and maxims for dating? A single gal is likely to get slammed with them ad nauseam as soon as she expresses any unhappiness at her situation.Since we could all use a good laugh, I asked some friends and Twitter followers to send in their most hated adages. I know you’ve heard them all before, but I just couldn’t believe how many there were! Here’s a tiny compilation. Enjoy — today, they’re not directed at you!

It happens when you’re not looking.“This is just bull. Some people find people when they’re looking; some don’t. You’re not doing anything wrong by going out and meeting people.” -Beth

There are plenty of fish in the sea.“I dated a guy whose last name was Fish. People just had a BLAST with that one.” -Kelly

So, why are you single?“I generally dislike this question. I mean honestly, if I knew why, I don’t think I would be single right now, now would I?!”Erica

You’re too picky.“This may be true, but it feels like I’m getting criticized for my taste, vision, and close-mindedness — when I’m already down.” -Sarah

You’ll find the right person for you. -Kelly

He’s out there. -Kelly

It was just bad timing.“Like it’s so easy to dismiss a guy on such an emotionless and objective reason.” -Taryn

Just have fun with it!“Um, don’t tell me how to date in my thirties when you got married at 24.” -Maya

Have you tried online dating?“Duh!” -Elisa

He just wasn’t the right guy for you.“I know! That’s what I’m complaining about!” – Elisa

Well, when Steve and I first got together…“Wait, I still want to talk about me.” -Elisa

When the time is right, you will meet someone. -Betsy

Wow, I wish I were single and in your shoes!“Really?! I’m pretty sure you CAN be single if you actually want to be. That there is an attainable dream, so if you aren’t messing with me right now out of pity (which I suspect you are), please go for it!” -KimYour turn next [at weddings]. -Natlondon, via TwitterIt will happen when you least expect it. -dlegas05, via Twitter

Some guy is going to come along and ruin your career/life plans.“I am 32 and no one has ruined the last 10 years of plans.” -frolicblog, via Twitter

But you’re so pretty! Why don’t you have a boyfriend?“There’s just no graceful way to answer that.” -earnesteats, via Twitter

It just wasn’t meant to be.“Any of these platitudes are exponentially more annoying when coming from the mouths of smug marrieds.” -Reberoodle, via Twitter

Sure, Steve rescues kids from abusive homes, donated my sister a kidney, and picks up fresh flowers for me daily on his way home from work, but will he QUIT IT with the sports on TV already?“Single people just hate to be complained to about petty relationship stuff. If you do this, I’m not going to want to hang out with you. (In fact, maybe I’ll call Steve and ask him if he wants to watch the Yankees game?)” -Kim

Bottom line, if you’re in a relationship or married and you don’t have any specific, original advice or wisdom for your single friend — and you must use an established saying — we would prefer to hear neutral ones like, “This too shall pass” or “Take it one day at a time.” They are so much more helpful and comforting — you have no idea!

Also of note: not one person I polled mentioned they were tired of hearing, “He’s just not that into you.” I think that’s because it’s not condescending. And apparently, it’s not overused. So that one is still OK to say.